Mind in Bradford are a tremendous supportive charity for people who are struggling with emotional and mental health problems across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven. Around 1 in 4 of us experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. The past 12 months have been particularly challenging times with more people than ever are in need of support from charities such as Mind during the pandemic.

This fundraising opportunity is my contribution to raising awareness of Mental Health and to highlight the great work that Mind in Bradford continues to undertake. 

I have set myself the goal of completing a number of Ultra Distance Cycling Events which are taking place across the UK over the next 6 months, all unsupported, culminating in the GBDuro in August 2021. Cycling helped me deal with a number of mental health related challenges throughout my life and now I have chosen a number of tough cycling events to challenge me...mentally and physically!

Here is the full challenge:

1st - 3rd May: Dales Divide 600km (mixture road and off road) & 9,000m of ascent:  Starting in Arnside cycling to the East Yorkshire Coast and back to the West Coast (Coast to Coast to Coast!). Aim to complete in under 72hrs. 

https://bikepacking.com/event/dales-divide-2021/

14th-15th May: Ride for Mental Health Awareness Week - Ride to Cumbria covering 215 miles.

28th - 30th May: Alba Ultra 700km. Self Supported challenge across the North of England visiting designated checkpoints and involves planning your own route. 

http://www.albarosacc.com/post/the-alba-rosa-ultra

18th - 19th June: TransWales. Trial approx. 350km with 6,200m of climbing. Starting in Bangor and finishing in Cardiff across a mixture of terrain. Aiming to complete in under 24hrs.

https://www.theracingcollective.com/transwales.html

Date TBC: Hell of the North West 800km. A gruelling route across the most testing climbs that the North West of England has to offer. Aiming to complete in under 72hrs. 

https://www.randomadventure.co.uk/events/hell-of-the-north-west/

17th - 18th July: TransScotland. The route is from Inverness to Glasgow : ~540km long with ~5,800m of ascent via 4 iconic checkpoints (all castles) passing through Cairngorm NP and the Nevis Range. Target is 36hrs to complete.

https://www.theracingcollective.com/transscotland.html

14th - 24th August: GBDuro. A 2000km & approx. 30,000m ascent self-supported bikepacking enduro from Land's End to John O'Groats on road, gravel, singletrack, and everything in between.​

https://www.theracingcollective.com/gbduro.html